Frequently Asked Questions
Precious Metals
Physical gold is a tangible asset you can hold in your hands—valued for its lasting worth and its role as a hedge against economic instability. Gold stocks, on the other hand, represent shares in mining companies and are primarily bought for their profit potential. While gold itself offers security, gold stocks are financial assets subject to credit risk, market swings, and broader economic conditions.
The spot price reflects the current market value of raw gold or silver, often quoted online or on TV. However, this is not the final purchase price for coins or bars. The actual cost includes additional premiums for minting, refining, distribution, and the markups applied by wholesalers and retailers. These added costs are standard across industries and ensure the product reaches you securely and profitably through the supply chain.
Precious metals are best viewed as long-term investments, with a recommended holding period of 5 to 10 years or more. Their value can fluctuate based on economic conditions, global events, and supply and demand, so a long-term outlook helps you maximize their potential to preserve and grow wealth over time.
Not at all—most gold investors are not coin collectors. While some enjoy collecting coins as both a hobby and an investment, you don’t need to be a collector to add precious metals to your portfolio. If you’re curious about starting a collection, our specialists are here to help guide you.
Purchasing
For self-directed IRAs, your precious metals are shipped directly to the Delaware Depository and typically take about 7 business days to be processed, logged, and stored in the vault. For cash purchases, metals are shipped after the order is finalized, with most deliveries arriving within approximately 7 business days, depending on the size and type of your order.
To inquire about or purchase precious metals, call Gold Depot IRA at 1-800-733-8813. Our knowledgeable precious metals specialists are ready to assist you every step of the way.
Yes, a valid Social Security Number is required when opening a new self-directed IRA. For cash purchases, an SSN may or may not be needed depending on the transaction type. If you have questions, a Gold Depot IRA specialist can provide clear guidance—just call 1-800-733-8813.
At Gold Depot IRA, you are purchasing real, physical precious metals—not paper-backed assets or certificates. All gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products are tangible and securely stored or delivered, depending on your investment type.
Wiring funds is a fast and secure process, typically completed the same day. To receive the wiring instructions for Gold Depot IRA’s transfer account, simply contact one of our precious metals specialists at 1-800-733-8813.
Yes. For IRA accounts, Gold Depot IRA requires a minimum rollover or transfer of $10,000 to ensure proper account setup and to cover any associated fees. This threshold helps you get the most value out of your investment.
Retirement Accounts
Setting up a Gold IRA begins with opening a self-directed IRA. Gold Depot IRA will help you establish your account with Equity Trust Company, our trusted IRA custodian. Once your account is open, we’ll coordinate the rollover or transfer of funds from your existing retirement account. As soon as the funds are available, we’ll help you select your precious metals and ensure they are securely shipped to the Delaware Depository for IRS-approved storage.
Yes. You can invest in physical gold and silver by rolling over or transferring funds into a self-directed IRA, which allows for alternative assets like precious metals. While employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s typically restrict investments to traditional assets, rolling over to a self-directed IRA gives you the flexibility to include gold and silver in your retirement portfolio.
Gold Depot IRA partners with Equity Trust Company, a leading provider of self-directed IRA custodial services. Equity Trust offers flexible account options for precious metals investors, with transparent and competitive fee structures.
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Precious Metals IRA – Designed specifically for holding gold and silver. Typical fees include a $50 account setup and $150–$250 annual maintenance, depending on account size and storage type.
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Segregated or Non-Segregated Storage – Additional fees may apply for segregated storage or higher-value holdings.
Our team will help you choose the right plan and explain all costs clearly, so you can invest with confidence and clarity.
A direct rollover is a tax-free transfer of funds from one qualified retirement account to another, such as from a 401(k) or traditional IRA into a self-directed IRA. During this process, your current custodian liquidates your existing assets and transfers the funds directly to your new IRA, where they can be used to purchase IRS-approved precious metals—without triggering taxes or penalties.
You can withdraw funds from your IRA at any time, but withdrawals made before age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty, along with regular income tax. Once you reach age 59½, you can take penalty-free distributions from your IRA, though standard income tax still applies—unless it’s a Roth IRA and you’ve met the five-year rule. Gold Depot IRA does not offer tax advice, so we recommend consulting a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Yes. When funds are transferred from a qualified retirement plan—such as a 401(k) or pension—into a self-directed IRA, the rollover is tax-free, provided it’s completed within 60 days. You can also avoid any tax liability by having Gold Depot IRA coordinate a direct transfer between custodians on your behalf, ensuring compliance and a smooth transition.
The key difference lies in how each account is taxed. With a Traditional IRA, you contribute pre-tax dollars and pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement. With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes upfront, but your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
Both accounts offer tax-advantaged growth, but Roth IRAs have income limits and are always funded with after-tax dollars. Traditional IRAs require minimum distributions starting at age 73, while Roth IRAs allow you to let your money grow indefinitely. Roth IRAs also provide more flexibility for early withdrawals. For personalized tax guidance, always consult a qualified tax professional.
To remain IRS-compliant, all metals purchased through a Gold IRA must be stored in an approved depository. However, once you reach retirement age, you can choose to take a distribution in the form of physical metals, allowing you to take direct possession of your gold and silver without triggering penalties.
Shipping
Yes. All precious metals purchased through Gold Depot IRA are fully insured during shipping. For direct purchases, your metals are insured until you sign for the package. For IRA purchases, your metals are insured while in transit to the Delaware Depository, and once received, they are covered under the depository’s comprehensive insurance policy.
All precious metals orders placed through Gold Depot IRA are securely packaged and shipped via express mail services such as FedEx or the U.S. Postal Service, ensuring fast and reliable delivery.
Gold Depot
Gold Depot IRA stands out as a trusted leader in Gold IRA rollovers, known for our commitment to transparency, service, and a smooth client experience. We handle the entire rollover or transfer process from start to finish—ensuring your transaction is completed quickly, securely, and without unnecessary stress.
